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This is an advertisement for a magic lantern produced by D. Noakes and Son. Lantern shows were a very popular form of entertainment in the 19th century and ‘Dissolving views’ were especially popular. With the use of two synchronised lanterns it was possible to perform a slow transformation from one image to another, giving the illusion of movement. A sailor could be made to dance, a volcano would erupt, spewing lave and a summer landscape would suddenly be cloaked in snow. Those who could afford to, bought these slide machines for their homes and could give shows for their friends and family.